The Graduate & Professional Studies division worked in conjunction with the Minnesota-based company, one of the country's largest Catholic long-term care organizations, on a Leadership Institute curriculum to meet the company's goal of enhancing values-centered leadership across its system. The institute will offer both traditional classroom as well as online courses in leadership; strategic thinking; planning and marketing; team building and staff motivation; decision making, problem solving and conflict resolution; human resources; performance management; finance; quality processes; ethics; and long-term care consumers' special needs. Company leaders who complete the program will earn a jointly-sponsored certificate, but the curriculum is also aligned with the Master of Health Administration degree program at SJC for those desiring to earn a graduate degree.

"By partnering with Saint Joseph's College to offer the Leadership Institute, we are ensuring our leaders receive the ongoing education grounded in the BHS mission and core values," says Dale Thompson, BHS president/CEO.

According to Lynn Olson, dean of Graduate & Professional Studies, "The core values that the Benedictine Health System uses to guide their facilities are consistent with those of Saint Joseph's College, and it is a natural fit for the two organizations to partner." The first classes began in May.

"We're committed to adult learning, and one way to make this happen is through reaching out to employers," notes Suzanne Murphy, assistant director of continuing education and training.